DIY Fine Motor-Skills Activity.

Do not ignore the importance of fine motor-skills for children. Well, for my 2.5 year old Mu'az, at his age, I do believe that it is more important to do these kind of activities, even more often than learning ABCs.. Fine motor skills has a lot of connection with the child's brain development. Furthermore it can actually improves the child's milestone at later stage e.g. how he is able to master holding a pencil, his hand writing, the ability to eat by himslef without making a mess, puring water into a glass to name a few. Besides, this DIY itself can also expose them to colors and shapes. Mu'az did assist in the preparation of this stuff and believe me, he is having so much fun!

Don't change, extraordinary one. You're going to light up this place. As parents, we shall appreciate our children's nature. Each of them is unique in their own way. Understand, treasure and nurture what Allah has given, what Allah has intended them to be.

Credit to The Hands Free Revolution @Rachel Macy Stafford for this beautiful piece...

The Hands Free Revolution

They say he’s too quiet.
They say she’s too inquisitive.
They say he’s too energetic.
They say she’s too sensitive.

They say these things thinking it will help,
But it doesn’t really.
It only causes worry and the pressure to conform.
The truth is, changing would be a tragedy.

Because when they say “too quiet,”
I see introspection.
Don’t change, thoughtful one.
You’re gonna bring quiet wisdom to the chaos.

Because when they say ”too inquisitive,”
I see problem solving.
Don’t change, little thinker.
You’re gonna to bring answers to the toughest questions.

Because when they say “too energetic,”
I see vitality.
Don’t change, lively one.
You’re going to bring love and laughter to desperate times.

Because when they say “too sensitive,”
I see heart.
Don’t change, deep feeler.
You’re going to bring compassion to hurting souls.

They might say change is needed.
But I ask that they look a little deeper and observe a little longer.
From where I stand, these individuals are just as they should be:
On their unique path, bringing the world exactly what it needs to thrive.

Don’t change, extraordinary one.
You’re gonna light this place up.

© Rachel Macy Stafford 2014 

Me,
Aina

LET'S HAVE A TOUR TO OUR HOMESCHOOL SPACE

Having a space for kiddos to Read, Study, Explore, Play and Rest has been my dream comes true. Although we have rather small space, but it turn out quite practical and cozy! And we spend a lot of time here daily.

THE BOOKSHELVES

We have a wall unit which we put most of our books. My 3 boys love to just sit on the floor in front of the shelves and explore the books here.

WORK TABLE

Here is our multipurpose work table where most of the things are done here. Most of the time this area will turn out quite messy when everybody starts to do their own things, or a messy art project! Just let them be messy, for the fun of learning.

PRESCHOOL AREA

I did set up a workstation for my 2 year old son. He would have his own table and chair. But most of the time he will play around, sitting with his big brothers or just work on the floor. 

READING CORNER

Next to the bookshelves is a comfy armchair, makes the perfect place for reading.

COMPUTER WORKSTATION

Our computer workstation is also at the working table. There's a laptop and printer. Since it is a laptop, it is very easy to keep when we are not using them. Sometimes I did my work here too; although I have my own desk; so that I could be around my sons. 

ART AND LEARNING SPACE

This multipurpose board has tons of use (MALA Easel-IKEA). The easel has a whiteboard on one side and a blackboard on the other. This is where I do some teaching when needed, kids doodling with chalk, pens and colours and where we play some games which needs writing or drawing.

TOYS

We did put some very minimal toys here. Especially for the youngest, so he can play by himself when we are working with other kids. But I keep the toy selection to a minimum and more to educational toys to avoid distraction. Plus, this help the kids to stay occupied longer.

INDIVIDUAL SPACE

Sometimes kids needs their own time and space, alone. So we do have an individual space for them to do their homework, reading, drawing or even build their blocks here. This is also a good space when I need to break them up.

REST AND PLAY

This is actually a sofa bed. It is very easily change into a sofa/bed, even by the kids. So they always use this as a place where they play and rest for the day.

Hope you guys get some ideas from this post!!

Me,
Aina